Chair of Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University Greg Barton says the death of the al-Qaeda chief leader Ayman al-Zawahiri may help the terrorist group “consolidate” its appeal within Taliban ranks.

US media reports Ayman al-Zawahiri died following a US airstrike attack in Afghanistan over the weekend.

Mr Barton said the killing of the al-Qaeda leader was significant.
“It might well be that this actually ends up strengthening al-Qaeda,” he said.
“It’ll perhaps help consolidate al-Qaeda’s appeal within Taliban ranks in Afghanistan.”